ROME – Town of Rome Fire Chief John Frantz Jr. has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to serving others, and he says it's important to recognize others who do the same.

To do that, the Rome Fire Department has begun building a memorial park to honor members of its department. The park is on about 2 acres next to Fire House No. 2 along Apache Avenue in Rome.

"It originated as a way to just pay homage to the people who have dedicated themselves to the volunteer fire department," Frantz said. "I just feel that it is a nice tribute to people who volunteer and provide service to the community."

Construction of the park began in August with a circular walkway and now includes 11 trees dedicated to former members.

All Fire Department members who serve for 10 years of more are considered lifetime members, and upon their death can have a tree planted in their name at the park. The member's family can choose the type of tree to be planted.

A fence made from used fire hydrants also will be added to the park prior to a dedication ceremony on Aug. 1, which marks the department's 41st anniversary. Organizers also hope to expand the park to include statues, a gravel garden, a meditation area and more memorial trees.

Rome Fire Capt. Michael Smith had the idea for a memorial after Frantz's father, John Frantz Sr., the department's first chief, died in April 2014. A tree was planted in his honor at that time, and Smith wanted to find a way to honor other department members who had died.

"Those people scraped this (Fire Department) together and that community has grown and grown over the years," Smith said. "The general public doesn't realize how much time and effort go into it and what it's like to meet your neighbors at 3 in the morning, meet total strangers at 3 in the morning when they're having the worst day of their life. It's nice to honor those people that gave so much for it."

Smith said the Rome Fire Department Fund has received about $1,000 in donations for the memorial park. Addition donations are needed for maintenance costs and future plans, and to help pay off about $2,500 in debt accrued during park construction.

Melissa Siegler can be reached at 715-423-7200 ext. 6728 or at msiegler@cwnews.net, or Follow her on Twitter as @Marie2Melissa

How to help

Donations can be made to the Memorial Park Fund, c/o Town of Rome Fire Department Fund, 1156 Alpine Drive, Nekoosa, WI 54457.

If you go

What: Town of Rome Fire Department Memorial Dedication Ceremony

When: 11 a.m. Aug. 1

Where: Fire House No. 2, 1551 Apache Ave., town of Rome

More information: State Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point, state Rep. Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa, and members of the local American Legion are expected to attend. The Spirit of Marshfield is scheduled to perform a flyover during the ceremony.